Called to Witness

Our shared task over the next four years will be to build up ministries and services at the local level and to encourage and support people as they come forward to serve the Church.Bishop Jim Moriarty

In his 2008 Easter message entitled ‘Called to Witness’, Bishop Jim Moriarty has addressed the results of a review of the REACH OUT campaign which has been on-going in the diocese since 2004 and what he understands as the main task facing the diocese over the next four years.

Survey results

In regard to the survey results Bishop Moriarty stated –

It is clear that the campaign initiatives such as the Christmas gift, the diocesan stand at the Ploughing championship, our involvement in World Youth Day, our faith formation resources and ministry training were very well received. 75% of respondents said these initiatives were a good or excellent response to the pastoral priorities set by people in 2004.

The Bishop went on to note that 84% of respondents said that the underlying method used in the campaign (Listen – Act Together – Report) was good or excellent. This higher rating signals that people believe the approach is right even if the initiatives could have worked better or might need to be improved.�

The way forward

Given the strong support for both the approach and the aims of the campaign, Bishop Moriarty announced that a new campaign will be started that will again stretch over four years with a strong united focus on agreed key issues.�

Drawing on the survey feedback and from on-going discussions with priests, Bishop Moriarty identified a consensus about the provision of services.

Our shared task over the next four years will be to build up ministries and services at the local level and to encourage and support people as they come forward to serve the Church.

Bishop Moriarty acknowledged that we are part of a changing church.�

Of the 88 K&L priests in active ministry, 34 are more than 40 years ordained. We are all concerned about how we will cope with the emerging reality of fewer priests. At the same time, the call is not only for vocations to the priesthood but to promote and nurture the ministry of lay people. A changing Church can also be a more vibrant, inclusive Church.

In order for each parish to be better equipped to serve families, our youth, newcomers and those alienated from the Church, more investment in faith formation and ministry training is needed. The whole question of funding the employment of much needed resource people needs to be addressed.

Bishop Moriarty invited suggestions about these issues and promised further communication and opportunities to discuss how the diocese should plan to meet these challenges.